A new survey into the sun habits of 16-24 year-olds, which was conducted via The Student Room, the UK’s no. 1 student website, reveals almost a quarter (23 per cent) of young people placed getting a tan as one of their top priorities during the summer holidays, with 28 per cent admitting their peers can be competitive over who has the best tan. 45 per cent of young people admitted to not protecting their skin as much as they should, and 27 per cent reported they would be more likely to apply sunscreen when alone, compared to when they are with their mates.
Other worrying findings include:
• 27 per cent were not likely to take any measures to protect their skin this summer
• 29 per cent were more concerned about getting wrinkles than developing skin cancer
• 14 per cent wouldn’t let ‘a few scare stories about skin cancer’ stop them from sunbathing
• 8 per cent saw burning as a key step to achieving a bronzed look
Ed Yong from Cancer Research UK comments: “Few people are aware that sun damage at a young age can make your skin look old, wrinkly and leathery well before its time. It can also dramatically increase the chances of developing melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It’s not just older people that are affected – increasingly we are seeing young people being diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease.”
The research was carried out to coincide with the launch of Cancer Research’s new ‘Skindividual’ initiative, which aims to encourage young people to protect their skin from too much UV by harnessing the power of social networks and rewarding those who grow the biggest online guestlist.
As part of the initiave Ladyhawke will play an exclusive gig for just one person… and their online social network. For more info visit www.skindividual.co.uk
